Beijing Guoan edges Zhejiang FC 2-1 at home in Chinese Super League

In the Chinese Super League, Beijing Guoan edged Zhejiang FC 2-1 at home, while Shandong Taishan held on for a 1-0 victory over Shanghai Port in a VAR-filled thriller on Saturday. 

The Beijing home fans unveiled a giant TIFO for Fabio Abreu, who reached 100 appearances for the club. The Angolan repaid their love early. In the 5th minute, Uros Spajic was brought down in the box, and after a VAR review, Fabio stepped up to the penalty spot and sent Zhao Bo the wrong way to give Guoan the lead.

But it did not last long. In the 12th minute, Wang Yudong's brilliant back-heel sprung Cheng Jin, who cut inside and curled a lovely finish into the bottom corner to equalise.

Guoan pushed for a winner and in the 82nd minute, Zhang Xizhe's shot clipped the post before rolling in. Zhejiang pushed late to salvage a point, but Guoan keeper Hou Sen stood tall as his team held out for the 2-1 win. 

"I feel this might be my last year at Guoan. Although I still have one year left on my contract, I hope to use this year to keep Zhang Yuning, to keep those who need, and should get, contract extensions. And I hope the club can use this window to sign better players, because I've pretty much used up all my strength, I'm burnt out. I hope this team can become better," said Hou.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Shandong Taishan struck even earlier. In the 5th minute, Zeca rose highest to head home.

Cryzan Barcelos thought he had doubled the lead in the 36th minute, but VAR ruled it out for offside in the buildup. Port pushed hard, and in first-half stoppage time, Prince Obeng Ampem scored and celebrated with a balloon, only to have his effort also ruled out for Mateus Vital's foul in the buildup.

The second half brought more drama. In the 64th minute, Huang Zhengyu was shown a second yellow card for a handball, reducing Shandong to ten men. Deep into stoppage time, Leonardo put another ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Shandong held on for a 1-0 win, snapping a two-game losing streak and moving above Guoan into sixth place.